Have you ever needed a super fast and delicious appetizer? Something that everyone will love but doesn’t take hours to prepare. I have the perfect solution for you. Get ready to meet your new favorite party food.
These Quick & Easy 3-Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Bites are a total crowd pleaser. They bring together savory sausage, gooey cheddar, and a little bit of spice. They look so good on a platter and taste even better. Let’s make some amazing Sausage Appetizers together.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is a huge win. The name says it all. While there are a few extra pantry staples for flavor, the core of this recipe is just three main components. Sausage, cheese, and a simple flour mixture. It is one of those fantastic Appetizer Recipes you can whip up without a fuss.
The flavor is just incredible. The rich sausage combined with the sharp cheddar cheese is a classic pairing. Add a tiny kick from the cayenne pepper and you have a perfectly balanced bite. These are savory, cheesy, and just so satisfying.
These Sausage Bites are also wonderfully versatile. You can serve them for so many occasions. Think about game day, holiday parties, or just a casual get together with friends. They are easy to eat, no forks required. Just pop a toothpick in and you are good to go.
Another great thing is how quick they are. From mixing the ingredients to pulling them out of the oven, you are looking at about 30 minutes. That means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party with your guests. It’s a great recipe to have in your back pocket.
Finally, they are very easy to customize. You can switch up the type of sausage, use a different cheese, or add other spices. Feel free to make them your own. This recipe is a great starting point for your own creative ideas.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you will need. The list is short and sweet, and you probably have most of these items already.
- 1¼ cups all purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
- 16 ounces bulk beef or turkey breakfast sausage
- ½ large yellow onion, grated
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
A quick note on the cheese. For the best melting and flavor, I always recommend shredding your own block of cheese. Pre shredded cheeses often have additives that prevent them from melting as smoothly.
For the sausage, any bulk breakfast sausage works well. You can use beef, turkey, or pork. Feel free to choose your favorite. A spicy sausage can also add an extra layer of flavor if you like a little more heat.
Step By Step Instructions
Making these Quick & Easy 3-Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Bites is so straightforward. Just follow these simple steps and you will have a delicious treat in no time. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven And Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This is important so the Sausage Bites cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Whisking helps to distribute everything evenly. This ensures every bite is just as flavorful as the last.
Step 3: Add The Cheese
Now, add your shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients. Toss it all together until the cheese is coated with the flour mixture. This little trick helps prevent the cheese from clumping together when you add the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
It’s time to bring it all together. Add the bulk sausage, grated yellow onion, and melted butter to the bowl. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until it forms a cohesive dough. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there.
Step 5: Form The Sausage Bites
Now for the fun part. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1 inch balls. A cookie scoop is great for making sure they are all the same size. Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet about half an inch apart.
Step 6: Bake To Golden Goodness
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know they are done when they are beautifully golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy
Once they are done baking, use tongs to carefully transfer the warm Sausage Bites to a serving platter. You can insert toothpicks into each one for easy serving. These are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the Sausage Bites cool completely to room temperature. This is key to prevent them from getting soggy when you store them.
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them. A few minutes in the oven or an air fryer will bring back their wonderful texture.
You can also freeze these for later. Arrange the cooled bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat from frozen, just bake them at 350 degrees F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. They make for a great quick snack or last minute appetizer.
Tips
Want to make your Sausage Appetizers even better? Here are a few tips and tricks. Feel free to experiment and find what you like best. These little bites are very forgiving.
For an extra cheesy flavor, you can try using a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are a great combination. You could also use pepper jack for an extra kick of spice. The possibilities are endless.
Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bites tough. A light hand is all you need to create a tender and flavorful result.
Serving with a dip is always a good idea. A simple honey mustard, a creamy ranch, or even a spicy aioli would be delicious. A little dipping sauce can take these already tasty bites to a whole new level.
If you want to make these ahead of time, you can. Prepare the dough and roll it into balls. Place the unbaked balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, just bake them as directed.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple yet incredibly delicious recipe for Quick & Easy 3-Ingredient Cheesy Sausage Bites. They are the ideal choice for any occasion where you need a reliable and tasty appetizer. Everyone always asks for the recipe.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create something truly special. These Sausage Bites are proof that great food does not have to be complicated. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage?
Absolutely. This is one of the best Appetizer Recipes for customization. You can use pork, chicken, or even a spicy Italian sausage. Just make sure it is bulk sausage, not links. Each type will bring its own unique flavor.
Can I Make These Gluten Free?
Yes, you can. To make these gluten free, simply substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten free all purpose baking blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for the best results. The texture will be very similar.
Why Did My Sausage Bites Fall Apart?
If your bites are falling apart, it might be because the mixture was too dry. Make sure your sausage has a good amount of fat. You can also add a tablespoon of milk or an extra tablespoon of melted butter if the dough feels crumbly.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Of course. Feel free to add things like finely chopped jalapeños for more heat, or some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a bit of freshness. Just be careful not to add too many wet ingredients, as it can affect the texture.
Quick & Easy Cheesy Sausage Bites
A quick and easy appetizer featuring savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and simple seasonings. These cheesy sausage bites are simple to make and a crowd-pleasing choice for any party or game day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the dry ingredients and toss until the cheese is lightly coated.
- Add the bulk sausage, grated onion, and melted butter to the bowl. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until a cohesive dough forms.
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, about a half-inch apart.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. Serve warm.
Notes
For the best flavor and melting, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can result in tougher, less tender sausage bites.
These are delicious served with a dip. Try a simple honey mustard, creamy ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Nutrition
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